Joel Loh seventh UCP candidate for Sylvan Lake-Innisfail

With seventh candidate Joel Loh officially adding his name to the list, the United Conservative Party will have plenty of options for who will represent the party.

Born and raised in Alberta, the 40-year-old Sylvan Lake resident first started connecting with the community in 2008 when he started guest speaking for a church youth group. In a phone interview Loh said it was that “organic relationship” which led to him pastoring for the Frontline Worship Centre.

Loh describes himself as an “oil-field working pastor and family man,” and runs a media company with his wife Jennifer.

The vice-president of regulatory affairs and public relations for Simba Industries Transload Lt., an oil rail transportation company, Loh also helped found the Committee for Proud Alberta Fair Trade Oil, a Facebook group made up of workers in the industry to promote the industries.

“I never really wanted to enter politics again in any form, but with what I’m seeing right now [in the oil and gas industry], that’s what’s compelling me to enter this race,” he said.

His previous political background includes serving as president for the Canadian Alliance association and as riding president in Stephen Harper’s Calgary-Southwest riding.